Enrichment Grant Funds to Support Summer Literacy
In response to this year’s pandemic and resulting school closures, Foundation trustees consulted with BCSD administrators on how Enrichment Grant funds could be used to best serve the District overall. Superintendent Tracy Wheeler proposed that a summer literacy program for students in kindergarten through third grade would provide the greatest impact on student learning. According to Wheeler, “research shows that students have a better chance for success in school and beyond when their families actively participate in their learning, and when the students are encouraged to read at least one hour every day.”
Foundation trustee and former BCSD librarian Laurie Scriven supported the District’s proposal. She said, “reading provides the opportunity to travel beyond the walls of our own homes by engaging with people and places outside our spheres. During this time of limited access to public libraries, we are especially grateful to be able to provide books for the K-3 students.”
Federal Title 1 funding was available to cover the cost of Scholastic summer book packs for K-3 Brookview and Brook Park Memorial students. The Education Foundation provided approximately $23,000 to extend the summer literacy program to K-3 students in Grindstone and Big Creek Elementaries. Summer book pack distribution is being organized by building principals. Parents should expect email communication about book packs soon.
While this program utilized the majority of the Foundation’s Enrichment Grant funding, there are still grant monies for 2020-2021 school year programs. Donor-directed grant funds and staff-funded Payroll Deduction Grants were not used for book packs. Applications for these types of grants will be made available when there is more clarity about the plans and protocol for the upcoming school year.
Foundation trustee and former BCSD librarian Laurie Scriven supported the District’s proposal. She said, “reading provides the opportunity to travel beyond the walls of our own homes by engaging with people and places outside our spheres. During this time of limited access to public libraries, we are especially grateful to be able to provide books for the K-3 students.”
Federal Title 1 funding was available to cover the cost of Scholastic summer book packs for K-3 Brookview and Brook Park Memorial students. The Education Foundation provided approximately $23,000 to extend the summer literacy program to K-3 students in Grindstone and Big Creek Elementaries. Summer book pack distribution is being organized by building principals. Parents should expect email communication about book packs soon.
While this program utilized the majority of the Foundation’s Enrichment Grant funding, there are still grant monies for 2020-2021 school year programs. Donor-directed grant funds and staff-funded Payroll Deduction Grants were not used for book packs. Applications for these types of grants will be made available when there is more clarity about the plans and protocol for the upcoming school year.
